10 minutes with Dr Hobart

April 7, 2025

10 minutes with Fairholme Principal Dr Hobart.


What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

I had several jobs on the go during my high school and university days - including tutoring, working at a restaurant, working at a gift shop, working at the university club and editing a book – often at the same time, to fund my travels. I learned to manage my time very effectively and to work hard to achieve goals.



What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

That I grew up on the Darling Downs and that my family has been involved in the community for six generations.



If you weren’t working in education, what do you think you’d be doing?

I have loved teaching for a long time. I can’t think of wanting to do anything else. 



What’s one book (or podcast) you think everyone should read (or listen to)?

There are so many to choose from… and what someone loves to read or listen to may not be for someone else. I have been recently listening to the audio book, ‘Outlive’, by Peter Attia. It tackles the age-old question of how to live better for longer and has great scientifically backed advice for living a healthy life, which others may find as useful as I have.



How do you like to unwind?

Getting outdoors and taking my dogs for a walk. Otherwise, reading a good book.



Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl?

An early bird, definitely - who loves a good chai latte.



What drew you to Fairholme?

Fairholme has a fantastic tradition of academics and wellbeing, balanced with opportunity to continue to flourish into the future – amazing students and families, terrific staff, an exceptional board, all set in beautiful Toowoomba.

How lucky am I? I am truly humbled and honoured to be asked to take on the responsibility of being the 14th principal in its history.



Can you tell us about a moment in your career that shaped your leadership style?

While successes are amazing and need to be celebrated, it is often in life that the biggest learnings come from disappointments that you have along the way.


They are not always easy, but in retrospect they can often lead you into directions that are even better than where you originally thought.

Reflecting on those moments with amazing mentors who have encouraged and taught me along the way have helped carve my leadership path and style.



How would your former colleagues describe you in three words?

My colleagues have called me caring, collaborative and innovative over the years.



What are your top priorities for your first year at Fairholme?

Fairholme is a wonderful school already, so it is important to me to listen and then add value where I possibly can, particularly as we finish the Strategic Plan. Learning everyone’s name is also at the top of the list!



How do you define a successful school community?

Where everyone is working in synergy for the betterment of the students in our care. 

Every young woman at Fairholme, has the potential to make positive impact on the world she lives in and lead into an exciting future.

To do accomplish this, great schools build solid foundations – literacy, numeracy and the ability to think through critically engaging with core subjects.


They also provide opportunities for students to find their passions, work out who they are by developing their character in a supportive and caring environment, and help them discover what they would like to do next on their lifelong learning journey beyond school.

To be exceptional, the young women and their community then contribute to ensuring the next generation flourishes too.



What role do you see communication and connection playing in your leadership?

Relationships are at the core of a young person’s success at school and communication and connection underpin this. Relationships form the basis on which we can grow sensational learning opportunities.



What are you most excited about as you begin this new chapter?

I am really excited about immersing myself in the community and getting to know the girls, families and staff. I can’t wait to get started!



Favourite holiday destination?

While I have loved travelling around the world, Australia still has the most wonderful places to visit. We have just finished a six-week trip to Tasmania and cherished the diversity of landscapes and experiences that it had to offer – from rugged coastlines to walking the wilds of Cradle Mountain. We are exceptionally lucky to live in this beautiful country.



Hidden talent?

Finding the brooch section of any vintage shop.



Song currently on repeat?

Any song by Boy and Bear and Crowded House.



Describe Fairholme in one word…

Potentia (Latin for strength and potential).


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Grace’s grand jete into the world of ballet

By Sarah Richardson • May 22, 2025
From the moment she could walk, Grace Andersen was dancing. At just two years old, she took her first ballet class, not quite knowing that her tiny feet were stepping onto the path of a lifelong passion. ‘I didn’t always love it,’ she admits, ‘but I did it anyway.’ It wasn’t until a change of schools in Year 1, moving to JE Dance , that Grace fell in love with dance in a whole new way. She thought ballet was the only style out there, until she discovered contemporary, jazz, and more. But ballet always held her heart. ‘There’s just something about it,’ Grace says. ‘I like the structure. With ballet, you need the right technique, it’s disciplined. That’s what I love.’ Now, ballet is more than a hobby; it’s a central part of Grace’s daily life. She trains nearly every day. Monday through Friday at JE, and on Thursdays she leaves school early to travel to Brisbane for coaching with Classical Coaching Australia. ‘It started this year,’ she says, ‘and I’ve already learned so much.’ This dedication recently led Grace to one of the most exciting moments of her young career - being cast in Queensland Ballet’s Coppélia during its regional performance in Toowoomba. ‘At first, Mum and I thought it would be like any other show,’ Grace recalls. ‘But then we had to fill out forms with bank account details, that’s when we realised it was something more.’ And it was. Grace was cast in not one, but two roles: the opening dancer as Little Coppélia, and a Smith sister in the village scene. ‘It was such a big surprise. When the curtain went up, I was the first dancer on stage. It was amazing.’ Performing with Queensland Ballet offered Grace more than just a moment in the spotlight, it gave her a glimpse into the world she dreams of joining. ‘Just seeing everyone there… it showed me what it would be like to be a professional dancer, which is what I’ve wanted since I was really little.’ Her ultimate dream? To dance with the Paris Opera Ballet, and one day become a ballet mistress, coaching and mentoring future dancers in a top company. ‘But first, I want to get into a good ballet school or academy,’ she says. ‘It takes a lot of practice. On weekends, I bring my ballet ball out to the living room and stretch or do rises while watching TV.’ Grace doesn’t just talk about hard work, she lives it. Her weeks are full, her schedule demanding, but her love for ballet never wavers. ‘You definitely have to be strong and fit and flexible, but most of all, you have to love it.’ While she doesn’t have a famous ballerina idol, she finds inspiration closer to home. ‘My mum was a dancer. She went on pointe and everything. She didn’t perform in shows like I do, but she helps me, and I really look up to her.’ Up next, Grace is preparing for her role in The Fairy Queen with Brisbane City Youth Ballet this winter. It’s her third time with the company, and she’s already setting her sights on what comes next. Because for Grace, ballet isn’t just a series of steps, it’s the rhythm of her future.

Dynamic Dramatic Duo

By Sarah Richardson • May 22, 2025
School mates cast in lead roles for the Empire Theatre’s 2025 Junior Impact Production When Phoebe Hohn and Sammy Cheetham auditioned for this year’s Junior Impact Production, Soul Trading, they had no idea they’d be cast opposite each other in two of the show’s leading roles. Set in the year 2079, Soul Trading is a futuristic play that explores a world where every child’s future is shaped by their personal learning robot – except for one. Phoebe plays Geri, a quirky and fiercely independent girl who refuses to follow the AI-dominated path everyone else is on. ‘Geri doesn’t have a bot like the others. She’s different, and she’s proud of it,’ says Phoebe. ‘I love playing someone who questions everything and isn’t afraid to go her own way.’ Her co-star, Sammy, takes on the complex role of Neutron, a clever and rebellious robot who doesn’t quite fit the mould. ‘Neutron is actually an illegal robot that Geri secretly 3D printed,’ Sammy explains. ‘She’s bright, ambitious, and wants to live a free life – but Geri tricks her into thinking she’ll die if she leaves.’ Throughout the show, Neutron cleverly manipulates both humans and bots to bend the rules and follow her lead. For Sammy, this is her second year involved in the Junior Impact Ensemble. ‘Last year, I was part of Our Egg Named Larry, and I absolutely fell in love with the program,’ she says. ‘That experience made me want to audition again this year, and I was thrilled to receive one of the main roles.’ Phoebe and Sammy, who are also speech and drama partners, supported each other through the audition process and have relished the opportunity to bring this fast-paced, futuristic story to life together. Their characters’ dynamic is central to the narrative, and their real-life friendship brings depth and energy to every rehearsal. With the production set to hit the Armitage Centre stage this July, both students say the experience has pushed them creatively and helped them grow in confidence. ‘Performing in a space like the Armitage is a dream,’ Phoebe says. ‘It’s exciting and a little bit surreal.’ We can’t wait to see Phoebe and Sammy shine on stage as Geri and Neutron – two bold characters in a brave new world.

10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry

By Sarah Richardson • May 22, 2025
10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry, 2025 Fairholme College Prefect for the Arts and lead character in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical.
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